Best beaches of Kerala

Known for its immaculate landscape of blue and green, we explore the southern state’s expansive coastline

Kerala has always been known for its immaculate landscape of blue and green. With luxury resorts dotting its 590km coastline, this pristine state in southwest India promises travellers an unforgettable seaside sojourn. We bring you a quick roundup of some of the prettiest beaches to visit, and the resorts to stay at.

Varkala About 50km from Thiruvananthapuram, and less crowded than Kovalam, Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where the cliffs run adjacent to the sea. There are several natural streams that are rich in minerals along the path. Some even go so far as to say that the most beautiful sunset in Kerala can be seen here. There is also a 2000-year-old Vishnu temple for those looking for some soul-searching.Where to stay:The Gateway Hotel Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this 30-room and suite hotel is minutes away from the beach and the famous Vishnu temple.The Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala, Near Government Guest House, Varkala – 695 141, Kerala, India (+91 470 667 3300; www.thegatewayhotels.com) Doubles from Rs 2,400

Marari Located 11km from Alleppey and about 60k from Kochi, Marari is reputed not only for its stunning ecology but also its unparalleled cleanliness. The water here is perfect for a light swim, some snorkelling and if you’re lucky—even some surfing. At Marari, unlike other popular beaches in Kerala, you can catch a glimpse of typical Kerala village life. The fishing village still lives the way its ancestors have. The men still go out to fish everyday and the women make coir mats and brushes.Where to stay: Marari Beach Resort This eco-friendly resort is simple yet comfortable with furniture made from locally-sourced materials. The bathrooms are open to the sky and the bedrooms are well-appointed, but free of televisions as the resort believes one’s time here is better spent watching the sunset or walking in the gardens. We agree.Marari Beach Resort, North S.L Puram, Marari kulam, Alappuzha, Kerala, India (+91484 301 1711; www.cghearth.com) Doubles from Rs 8,500

Bekal South of Kerala’s northernmost district of Kasargod is Bekal. A relatively new entrant on the luxury traveller’s map, it is most famous for its fort, which is the oldest in Kerala. Explore the fort, drive through the coconut groves, and boat across the backwaters, and you will be greeted by Bekal’s astonishingly untouched beach. Located so far north, it’s easier to get to Bekal from Mangalore than any city in Kerala. The fort’s ramparts make for a superb sight as you swim.Where to stay: Vivanta by Taj A 26-acre resort on the banks of the Kappil river, the hotel is inspired by traditional Ketuvallam houseboats and its 71 laterite villas come with plunge pools and private courtyards. Stunning hand-woven bamboo ceilings, bronze chandeliers, quaint birdcage lanterns, and copper and gold leaf murals based on ancient Sanskrit scriptures set the tone here.Vivanta by Taj Bekal, Kerala, Kappil Beach, Kasaragod, Kerala, (+91 467 661 6612; www.vivantabytaj.com) Doubles from Rs 14,573

Kovalam Kovalam is to Kerala what Baga is to Goa. Located 16km from Thiruvananthapuram and made up of three coves—Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Samudra Beach—Kovalam has been a hot beach for years. Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and a big hit with tourists while Samudra Beach is often overlooked, which makes it a better option for those looking for some peace and quiet. Very often, the only other person on the beach apart from you will be a lone fisherman or two working on his nets.Where to stay: The Leela Kovalam This cliff-top property overlooks the sea, and offers its guests all things luxury. Just a short distance from Trivandrum International Airport, the rooms at the hotel come with private balconies offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea or the property’s sprawling gardens.The Leela Kovalam, Trivandrum, (+91 47 1305 1234, www.theleela.com) Doubles from Rs 6,760

Kappad Probably the most historic beach in Kerala, Kappad is where Vasco da Gama moored his ships in 1498. Located 16km from Kozhikhode, the beach here is partly rocky and partly smooth. Kappad’s gentle waters are great for swimming and the approach to the beach is particularly striking, as you have to make your way through the backwaters of Kohzikhode. On the beach itself, there is a singularly large rock that juts out into the surf, upon which sits an 800-year-old temple.Where to stay: Kadavu Resort & Ayurveda Centre Located on the serene backwaters, Kadavu Resort & Ayurveda Centre blends Mappila and Hindu culture in its décor and even offers guests accommodation in houseboats if regular rooms and suites seem dull.Kadavu Resort & Ayurveda Centre, NH 17, Calicut Bypass road, Azhinjilam, Malappuram, Kerala, India (+91 483 283 0570; www.kadavuresorts.com) Doubles from Rs 6,750

Getting there The best way to begin exploring these beaches is to fly directly into Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram or Mangalore depending on which beach you intend to visit. Spicejet (www.spicejet.com) flies direct from Mumbai and New Delhi to Kochi, Jet Airways (www.jetairways.com) flies direct from New Delhi and Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram and Spicejet (www.spicejet.com) flies direct from Mumbai and New Delhi to Mangalore.

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